HI SB338

Establishes a five-year food hub pilot program administered by the department of agriculture to increase local food production and access, with priority support for food deserts and underserved areas.

Awards grant funding to qualified applicants for construction and improvement of food hub facilities including aggregation, storage, processing, packaging, cold storage, and technical assistance for supplying state institutions.

Requires applicants to demonstrate experience in local food aggregation and delivery, secure a physical location, submit detailed operational plans, and explain strategies to increase access to locally produced food.

Mandates interim reports to the legislature prior to regular sessions in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, with a final report by 2026 recommending whether the program should become permanent.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, authorizes general obligation bonds for Honalo Marshalling Yard critical infrastructure upgrades, and takes effect July 1, 2050.